ACCA Cymru/Wales sets out priorities for next Welsh Government

Ahead of the 2026 Senedd election on 7 May, ACCA Cymru/Wales is calling on all political parties to commit to four priorities that will underpin Wales' future prosperity.

The global professional accountancy body, which has a thriving community of over 6,400 members and students in Wales working in all sectors of the economy, has set out its calls to action for the next Welsh Government and Senedd in its pre-election prospectus.

Understanding the challenges facing governments, policymakers and businesses, ACCA Cymru/Wales' four priorities call on the incoming parliament to:

• Build a world-class skills and careers system by expanding higher-level apprenticeships, accelerating short-course provision and embedding employer voice across regional and national skills planning, particularly for in demand competencies like digital and green skill
• Create the conditions for sustainable business growth through investment in infrastructure and connectivity, business support and stronger engagement between government and key sectors
• Strengthen public finance, productivity and tax certainty with greater funding certainty through multi-year budgets, a simpler tax environment and reform of the business rates system
• Enable a practical and just transition to net zero by providing targeted support for small businesses and strengthening climate reporting across public bodies.

The prospectus also exemplifies how finance professionals can support these asks and work with policymakers to drive change within businesses and organisations of all sizes.

Lloyd Powell, head of ACCA Cymru/Wales, said: 'Accountancy is a cornerstone profession of society; it is vital to help economies, organisations and individuals grow and prosper. In Wales, finance professionals sit at the heart of the economy, public services and transition to net zero. They enable growth, stability and innovation across every sector.

'We stand ready to work in partnership with the Senedd and Welsh Government to deliver the ambitions set out in our prospectus, ensuring Wales has the skills, institutions, and financial leadership required to thrive. Our calls are clear. This is not about party politics, but about practical actions that can support businesses, public finances and long-term prosperity.'

See the ACCA Cymru/Wales prospectus here